Universal mounting bracket for dry stick lubricators

Abstract

A mounting bracket for dry stick lubricators for railroad wheels is adapted for universal application and orientation to different configurations of rail cars and locomotives. A base plate fits on any of several configurations of journal boxes on the rail axle, and attached components allow swiveling adjustment, length adjustment and adjustment in several different axes for the dry stick lubricator itself, at a position spaced from the base plate.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A universal mounting bracket for dry stick lubricators which apply lubricant to railroad wheels, comprising: 
 (a) a base plate having openings positioned to accept fasteners in different positions, to fit a plurality of different journal boxes or journal adaptors on railroad wheel trucks,    (b) an extension bracket secured to the base plate so as to extend generally upwardly from the base plate when placed in service, the extension bracket being adjustable in length,    (c) a swivel head secured to an end of the extension bracket remote from the base plate, and    (d) a plurality of fastener openings in the swivel head, allowing for connection of a dry stick lubricant tube to the swivel head in a plurality of different rotational orientations.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , including a swivel joint connecting the extension bracket to the base plate, allowing for swinging adjustment of the extension bracket relative to the base plate.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the extension bracket comprises a pair of lapped plates, one of which has an elongated slotted opening, providing length adjustment.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the swivel head is secured to said remote end of the extension bracket in a pivot joint, providing for rotation of the swivel head about a first axis.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further including means in the swivel head permitting adjustment rotation of the swivel head about a second axis.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the swivel head includes a generally flat plate, and wherein the openings in the swivel head comprise a pair of arcuate slot openings permitting a dry stick lubricant tube having a pair of fasteners to be secured in many different rotational orientations, for adjustment about a third axis.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the openings in the base plate are slotted so as to fit with different hole patterns in journal boxes.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the slotted openings are in a curved configuration.  
     
     
         9 . A mounting bracket for dry stick lubricators which apply lubricant to railroad wheels, for use on a locomotive tire, comprising: 
 (a) a base plate having at least one opening positioned to accept a fastener to fit into a journal adaptor of a locomotive,    (b) an extension bracket secured to the base plate so as to extend generally upwardly from the base plate when placed in service, the extension bracket being adjustable in length,    (c) a swivel head secured to an end of the extension bracket remote from the base plate, and    (d) a plurality of fastener openings in the swivel head, allowing for connection of a dry stick lubricant tube to the swivel head in a plurality of different rotational orientations.    
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , including a swivel joint connecting the extension bracket to the base plate, allowing for swinging adjustment of the extension bracket relative to the base plate.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the extension bracket comprises a pair of lapped plates, one of which has an elongated slotted opening, providing length adjustment.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the swivel head is secured to said remote end of the extension bracket in a pivot joint, providing for rotation of the swivel head about a first axis.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further including means in the swivel head permitting adjustment rotation of the swivel head about a second axis.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the swivel head includes a generally flat plate, and wherein the openings in the swivel head comprise a pair of arcuate slot openings permitting a dry stick lubricant tube having a pair of fasteners to be secured in many different rotational orientations, for adjustment about a third axis.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the openings in the base plate are slotted so as to fit with different hole patterns in journal boxes.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the slotted openings are in a curved configuration.